Surfing out at Montauk Point last week, I was startled when a seal, make that a really, really big seal, popped its bulbous head out of the water just a few feet from where I sat straddling my board. It was a chilly, windy day, with few birds around and even fewer other surfers. I felt alone, and, had the seal been amorous or angry, there was little around other than me for it to take out its urges upon.

Tuesday morning awoke with a snarl. Two raccoons had gotten into the chicken run and were squabbling over something or other, making an indescribable clamor, kind of a blend of exercised chatter, hisses, and a predator’s growl. That roused the dogs, which roused me, and together we ran out to see what was going on.

A plan for a 900,000-gallon water reservoir off Cross Highway in the Devon area of Amagansett has drawn the ire of several residents. The Suffolk County Water Authority was to have held a meeting at the Amagansett Library last night to discuss the plan.

Trees and how to care for them will be the subject of a panel discussion on Monday at 3 p.m. in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Hoie Hall organized by the Ladies Village Improvement Society. Experts will take questions about all things trees. The panelists will be Deborah Green from Bartlett Tree Experts, Mike Gaines from CW Arborists, Charlie Marder from Marders, and Mariah Whitmore from Whitmore’s.

Toxic bacteria found in Georgica Pond in East Hampton and Sagg Pond in Sagaponack have prompted officials to warn the public against any water contact.

High levels of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, were discovered by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation in the two eastern Long Island ponds on Friday. Cyanobacteria can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin, eye, or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties.

In 2012 a dog died after it lapped up water from Georgica Pond; a toxic algae bloom was suspected as being responsible.

Inspired by similar events called for in cities and towns around the country, a gathering to protest gun violence in schools will be held at the windmill at Long Wharf in Sag Harbor on Saturday at 11 a.m.